Fab Ronnie Lane Fans
Building this Ronnie Lane website, we're just blown away by the vast fans sentiments held for Mr. Lane.
This page is intended to be a testament to his work from the hearts of his fans.
Just getting started, but it's going to be BIG!
Terry S. ~
Saw Ronnie and Slim Chance at Essex Uni in the mid-seventies as a young teenager. Such a great performer and band. More like a lively loving family do than a gig. As a young musician he influenced me so much more than punk.
Saw Ronnie and Slim Chance at Essex Uni in the mid-seventies as a young teenager. Such a great performer and band. More like a lively loving family do than a gig. As a young musician he influenced me so much more than punk.
After the gig I sheepishly picked up one of Ronnie's dog ends from in front of the mic.
Yes I know! But that was as close as I could get to meeting him. An Embassy No.1.
I put it in a small box and still have it.
Just makes me smile and feel the warmth of that gig and Ronnie's music when I look at it.
Yes I know! But that was as close as I could get to meeting him. An Embassy No.1.
I put it in a small box and still have it.
Just makes me smile and feel the warmth of that gig and Ronnie's music when I look at it.
Sometimes music touches you for a moment and sometimes for a whole lifetime.
Thanks Ronnie!
Fab Ronnie Lane Fan Question From Teddy Z....
"Does anyone know the tour dates & venues Ronnie played in June '74? esp. 21st June '74."
Answers, anybody?
"Does anyone know the tour dates & venues Ronnie played in June '74? esp. 21st June '74."
Answers, anybody?
Would love to put any still unknown dates and venues here:
https://www.ronnielane.com/ronnie-lane-and-slim-chance-concert-tour-dates.html
https://www.ronnielane.com/ronnie-lane-and-slim-chance-concert-tour-dates.html
Charlie C. ~ Des Plaines, Illinois USA
My mum used to sing "Oo La La" around the house when I was growing up, which sewed the seeds quite early. Once I graduated to the Five Guys Walk Into A Bar box set, I found myself gravitating to the tracks with a lead vocal by one of the Ronnies and haven't looked back!
My mum used to sing "Oo La La" around the house when I was growing up, which sewed the seeds quite early. Once I graduated to the Five Guys Walk Into A Bar box set, I found myself gravitating to the tracks with a lead vocal by one of the Ronnies and haven't looked back!
Christopher C. ~ The man was brilliant musically and his music always makes me happy.
Arvid V. ~ Can't ever forget Rod 'n' Ron Wood carrying Ronnie on stage for the encore at Wembley.
They dropped him and 70 odd thousand people drew a sharp breath....he was fine, show went on!!!
They dropped him and 70 odd thousand people drew a sharp breath....he was fine, show went on!!!
Mark A (tubewayreplicas78) ~
Ronnie has somehow inadvertently loomed in my musical background for years and I never really realised it.
I was always aware of him and had seen his pictures and his name mentioned among artists that I admired.
Be it via Pete Townshend/The Who, Clapton, Zeppelin, etc.
Ronnie has somehow inadvertently loomed in my musical background for years and I never really realised it.
I was always aware of him and had seen his pictures and his name mentioned among artists that I admired.
Be it via Pete Townshend/The Who, Clapton, Zeppelin, etc.
One day, VH1 aired an episode of a 1972 The Faces’ appearance on the BBC’s Sounds for the Saturday. Man, one of the greatest bands I had ever seen but it was Ronnie Lane that stuck out the most to me.
In some ways, I had to learn more about him. And I did, by ways of the Passing Show documentary. The doc not only showed to me his great talent for songwriting but his overall positive attitude towards life, even when the chips are down. He lived by his own words and did so with a grin.
To this day, I’m always learning something new about him and his music continues inspire me to live my life the way I want to and to the best of my abilities to do so. May it do the same for the new generations of fans to come.
“So live as only you can.
It's all about, enjoy it 'cause ever since you saw it,
there ain't no one can take it away..."
~ Ronnie Lane
It's all about, enjoy it 'cause ever since you saw it,
there ain't no one can take it away..."
~ Ronnie Lane
Sounds for Saturday - Faces April 1, 1972
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Ronald F. ~ Unfortunately never got to see him. Did go to ARMS concert in NYC, when I was 19, but could not score a tix. Got Rough Mix when it first came out & been a huge fan since & discovering Slim Chance really sealed my love of Ronnie & his music.
Sara C. ~ I never had the pleasure of seeing Ronnie perform, but his music has accompanied me through so many joyous (and sorrowful) times in my life that his voice feels like that of an old friend.
Bob W. ~ Couldn't be a bigger fan. Long live his memory!
Stephen L. ~ Greetings, It is wonderful to have a central website for Plonk fans!
Additionally, thank you for the wonderful box set which will be landing in the USA this week!
I wanted to pass along a few of my writings regarding Ronnie.
Please feel free to use them on the site! I do have others if you would like additional content.
Thanks again. Cheers!
Take One: Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance – 1974 Single ‘The Poacher’ -‘I’ll Let This World Go By’
https://talkfromtherockroom.com/2016/01/take-one-ronnie-lane-and-slim-chance.html
Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance – ‘Ooh La La, An Island Harvest ‘-All Them That Took Me There and Back’
https://talkfromtherockroom.com/2017/10/ronnie-lane-and-slim-chance-ooh-la-la.html
Additionally, thank you for the wonderful box set which will be landing in the USA this week!
I wanted to pass along a few of my writings regarding Ronnie.
Please feel free to use them on the site! I do have others if you would like additional content.
Thanks again. Cheers!
Take One: Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance – 1974 Single ‘The Poacher’ -‘I’ll Let This World Go By’
https://talkfromtherockroom.com/2016/01/take-one-ronnie-lane-and-slim-chance.html
Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance – ‘Ooh La La, An Island Harvest ‘-All Them That Took Me There and Back’
https://talkfromtherockroom.com/2017/10/ronnie-lane-and-slim-chance-ooh-la-la.html
Bradly W. ~ Phoenix, Arizona USA
Small Faces, Faces, etc., etc. is all GREAT & I love it all, but when you put Ronnie together with Pete Townshend it’s a match made in music ? heaven (literally) All Of The Stuff They Did Is just about as good as it gets. Insert your own adjective here... priceless, golden, perfect, unlike anything else... I would love to win this. It would be an honor & an excellent addition to my record collection. Thank You Very Much!!
Small Faces, Faces, etc., etc. is all GREAT & I love it all, but when you put Ronnie together with Pete Townshend it’s a match made in music ? heaven (literally) All Of The Stuff They Did Is just about as good as it gets. Insert your own adjective here... priceless, golden, perfect, unlike anything else... I would love to win this. It would be an honor & an excellent addition to my record collection. Thank You Very Much!!
Steven C. ~ Ronnie's music never fails to bring me joy. Whether listening to the man himself performing in his inimitable style, or singing & playing his wonderful songs with friends, I love Ronnie's music.
Ed S. ~ Always loved his songwriting.
Charlie C. ~ I was singing Itchycoo Park when I was 10, unaware who’d written it.
Later, when I used to sit around in my bedroom with my first girlfriend, listening to Faces albums, it was always the Ronnie Lane tracks that got the double plays. I still return to those tracks now. Their beauty never dies. I never met Ronnie, but I miss him like a friend.
Later, when I used to sit around in my bedroom with my first girlfriend, listening to Faces albums, it was always the Ronnie Lane tracks that got the double plays. I still return to those tracks now. Their beauty never dies. I never met Ronnie, but I miss him like a friend.
Kurt K. ~ So happy to discover Ronnie’s music just a few months ago... just in time for the box set!
Gualtiero L. ~ Greetings from Italy.
Tucker W. ~ Thanks for getting this site together for all us Ronnie Lane fans.
Shaun F. ~ Saw Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance at Birmingham Town Hall in 74 or 75.
All these years later still one of the best gigs i have been to.
Live in Thailand now and still play him when I'm feeling home sick.
A true unsung legend.
All these years later still one of the best gigs i have been to.
Live in Thailand now and still play him when I'm feeling home sick.
A true unsung legend.
February 21, 1975 - Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance played at the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England
https://www.ronnielane.com/ronnie-lane-and-slim-chance-concert-tour-dates.html
https://www.ronnielane.com/ronnie-lane-and-slim-chance-concert-tour-dates.html
Kazuaki S. ~ I went to Ronnie's Japan tour.
I look forward to listening to the recordings of the Japanese performances.
I look forward to listening to the recordings of the Japanese performances.
Dave B. ~ New Milton Hampshire, England
Had the pleasure of working with him at Olympic studios.
Being from Richmond I used to bump into him in a couple of pubs in Richmond.
Had the pleasure of working with him at Olympic studios.
Being from Richmond I used to bump into him in a couple of pubs in Richmond.
Steve B. ~ Looking forward to visiting Fishpool.
Barrie P. ~ Kirdford, West Sussex, England
Got into Ronnie's solo stuff only recently but have been so impressed with his material that I have bought all his back catalogue. Have been into The Small Faces since forever and even have an uncle who played a support slot with them in the 60's in a band called The Heartbeats.
Cheers!
Got into Ronnie's solo stuff only recently but have been so impressed with his material that I have bought all his back catalogue. Have been into The Small Faces since forever and even have an uncle who played a support slot with them in the 60's in a band called The Heartbeats.
Cheers!
Paul T. ~ Bout bloomin' time there was a website.
Mikiya O. ~ I love his music.
Tom M. ~ His songs remind me of my high school days.
Charlie K. ~ Some of the best music from a man's soul you'll ever hear.
Can you show me a dream?
Can you show me one that's better than mine?
Can you stand it in the cold light of day?
Neither can I
- Ronnie Lane, "Glad And Sorry"
I went there and back
Just to see how far it was
And you, you tried to tell me
But I had to learn for myself.
-Ronnie Lane, "Debris"
Can you show me a dream?
Can you show me one that's better than mine?
Can you stand it in the cold light of day?
Neither can I
- Ronnie Lane, "Glad And Sorry"
I went there and back
Just to see how far it was
And you, you tried to tell me
But I had to learn for myself.
-Ronnie Lane, "Debris"
Steve Fisher ~
I met Boo Oldfield through a friend at work at the beginning of the 80's. She was with Ronnie and knew I was interested in recording. They had no one to look after the mobile (LMS) so I stepped in.
I met Boo Oldfield through a friend at work at the beginning of the 80's. She was with Ronnie and knew I was interested in recording. They had no one to look after the mobile (LMS) so I stepped in.
I got to know Ronnie very well indeed.
I lived only a few streets away in Kentish Town and would often get a call that he was doing some recording at home, usually on his Tascam 144 portastudio! I spent many evenings with him helping out. I can't recall all the musicians I met there but George Carlis used to help out on sax and Neil Hubbard was around.
Anyway, I have some rough demos on cassette . Ronnie arranged to record in a pub in Colliers Wood and I helped out. The band was Ian Stewart (Piano), Chrissie Stewart (bass), Bruce Rowland (Drums), Mick Weaver (Hammond). I can't recall who played guitars, Ronnie was working with lots of people at the time including Neil Hubbard (Roxy Music) and James Honeyman Scott (The Pretenders). I think it could have been Alun Davies.
Anyway, I have some cassette recorded outtakes from those sessions - "this joint is jumping" is the highlight.
We did a lot of gigs around London during this time, I helped with the sound and acted as roadie, 100 Club, Dingwalls, Bridge House in Canning Town, Half Moon in Putney, etc. My favourite was Dingwalls as he had teamed up with Mick Green and they did a fabulous R&B version of "How Come". James Honeyman Scott played one gig I believe and very sadly died only a short time afterwards.
In 1981 Ronnie played at Glastonbury - how different it was in those days! I met Marriane Faithful - what a treat. Ronnie located the LMS down at his house in Richmond where Kate lived with Luke, Alana and Ruben. I was parachuted in to help out with the Blockheads who were taking a break from Chas and Ian and knocked out some fabulous tracks with Charley Charles (the drummer) singing. John Turnbull taught me a few tricks for the guitar. Most of the engineering was done by Ian Horne. I was working during the day and could only cover the evenings. I would love to find the tapes - if anyone knows!
Most of the history around the Majik Migits has been well recorded.
I was working as a structural engineer in London and was asked to fire up the LMS one evening so Ronnie could play some tracks. I had no idea Steve would be there and as the end of the evening Steve stuck his head through the door and asked me to engineer the album. Nearly cost me dearly as I didn't go back to work for 2 weeks and nearly lost my job as a result.
I recruited in a friend of mine Mike Conry who came down from Birmingham and we were off.
It was quite a big thing given I had no formal engineering training but I had good ears and I think we achieved something very special indeed. Boo and Pam were around a lot of the time keeping us cheerful. It's true that Toe Rag was recorded in the bar. We had very few screens so I piled up all of the soft chairs I could find to get some separation - they looked like gun emplacements! Mostly the musicians were not in a fit state to get home - there was plenty of stuff consumed so I used to drive some of them home in the Toyota Land Cruiser that towed the LMS. It was always very late at night and we ran a lot of red lights!
Eventually the LMS developed a problem in the Helios Desk that I could not resolve even though I stripped the whole thing down. Ronnie decided to sell and soon moved the US. Never saw him again which still makes me sad. I keep up contact with Boo from time to time. Ronnie had fortunes slip though his fingers but he was so philosophical about it. "Easy Come, Easy Go," he used to tell me.
Even now in my early 60's I miss him a lot.
God Bless
PS - of course I have lots of stories about this part of my life.
See more here about Ronnie Lane's Mobile Studio (LMS)
https://www.ronnielane.com/ronnie-lanes-mobile-studio-lms.html
Stay tuned for another Steve F + Ronnie Lane installment!
https://www.ronnielane.com/ronnie-lanes-mobile-studio-lms.html
Stay tuned for another Steve F + Ronnie Lane installment!
Keith F. ~ No plonk stories but his band mate Mac played one corking gig in Swindon (Cultural desert), played plenty of great songs including "Ooh La La" (plonk connection) and signed everything I had!
Hugh W. ~ Toronto, Canada
I first became aware of Ronnie Lane through the song Evolution (Stone) on Pete Townshend's Who Came First album.
I first became aware of Ronnie Lane through the song Evolution (Stone) on Pete Townshend's Who Came First album.
But in the early 90's I picked up a cassette of Ronnie Lane and Slim Chance's second album from a bargain bin and fell in love with the music.
I believe the good, happy spirit of the man comes through in the music and when things going on in the world seem to get worse I can listen to Ronnie Lane and feel uplifted and hopeful.
So happy to have the 6 cd collection-so happy all this material has been re-released.
It has been an absolute pleasure to listen to it all.
It has been an absolute pleasure to listen to it all.
Will T, ~ London, England
I run the ronnielane_appreciation account on Instagram. Doing so I have come across so many wild stories of Ronnie and the lads. But the one that always cracks me up the most is when he was doing a concert and there was a women in the audience called Irene.
I run the ronnielane_appreciation account on Instagram. Doing so I have come across so many wild stories of Ronnie and the lads. But the one that always cracks me up the most is when he was doing a concert and there was a women in the audience called Irene.
Well Ron being Ron came out on stage on roller skates and started skating around singing “Goodnight Irene".
Was there anything that mischievous kuschty rye couldn’t do?
I guess that’s why I love his songs so much.
They are so sweet and warm yet there’s real fun in some of the lyrics.
He had a way with making the listener feel like his long time friend.
They are so sweet and warm yet there’s real fun in some of the lyrics.
He had a way with making the listener feel like his long time friend.
Robert W. ~ I've been a fan since 1965.
Jost D. ~
Being born in Germany in the 90s I got to know Ronnie as a small child through his time with the Small Faces.
Being born in Germany in the 90s I got to know Ronnie as a small child through his time with the Small Faces.
Although I instantly became a huge fan, it took me quite a long time to get into the Faces, as their music seemed to be overshadowed by Rod Stewart whose voice frankly wasn’t my cup of tea. But little by little, I realized that there were real gems in the Faces’ catalog: Ronnie’s heartfelt songs.
Eventually I stumbled over his solo stuff on the internet. Having realized that it was almost impossible to buy one of his albums at a reasonable prize, I told a friend about this great musician that I came across whose albums are unaffordable for me and played “Anymore for Anymore” to him, which I found as an vinyl rip on the internet. It only took two songs and he instantly went on Discogs and bought an overpriced vinyl copy of that album.
Two weeks later we were sitting on his sofa, watched the album spinning on the turntable and couldn’t believe how great that album is. We are avid fans ever since and hope that we can eventually take a trip to Britain in order to see Slim Chance.
Deep joy!
Randy J. ~ I love Ronnie Lane simply because his music makes me smile, which in the times we live in is something to be embraced tightly.
John K. ~ Course I only got to see him in the Faces, he never came back to the states for any real concerts.
My memories are of his smile when they were ON!
My memories are of his smile when they were ON!
Great songs, him working with Kenney... then it became just hearing him on recordings.
Curt W. ~ Introduced to Ronnie Lane on Pete Townsend’s Rough Mix led me to Faces, Small Faces, then to Ronnie Lane & Slim Chance - wow!
Steve B. ~ Ronnie is my "go to" artist for every occasion. Currently listening to the Live at BBC record release, wonderful!
Florentino S. ~ A big fan of Ronnie Lane. An original master. An honest man and good man I would love to have met. What he created with the Small Faces and Faces and the subsequent solo ventures with and without Slim Chance are sublime.
God bless, Mr. Lane.
God bless, Mr. Lane.
Alan M. ~ His music always seemed to be around from the Small Faces, the Faces & his solo work.
Wm K. ~ Been a fan since "First Step"!
Lawrence S. ~ Flushing, NY USA
I was (and remain) a huge fan of The Who. I bought Pete Townshend's debut solo album, "Who Came First" and loved it. So when, later, I saw "Rough Mix" in the now gone but not forgotten J&R Music World in downtown Manhattan,
I was (and remain) a huge fan of The Who. I bought Pete Townshend's debut solo album, "Who Came First" and loved it. So when, later, I saw "Rough Mix" in the now gone but not forgotten J&R Music World in downtown Manhattan,
I decided to take a chance. "Who the hell is Ronnie Lane?" I thought to myself, even though I'd heard Ronnie's voice singing lead on "Evolution" on Pete's album.
Oh my God, his voice and his songwriting blew me away....I'd NEVER heard a voice like that before
(and, of course, never heard one like it ever again)...at once modern and Celtic ancient.
(and, of course, never heard one like it ever again)...at once modern and Celtic ancient.
Years later I read a blurb written by Rolling Stone magazine describing Ronnie "singing rock as modern as today in accents as old as the British Isles" which is completely accurate.
I started reading about his music, and since Slim Chance LPs were impossible to find in the USA (with the exception of the highly tampered with version of the second Slim Chance album, on A&M Records), I worked backwards, discovering a new musical world in the work of The Small Faces, The Faces, (early) Humble Pie, and the "Mahoney's Last Stand" soundtrack.
It wasn't until a few years later, on my honeymoon in Paris, that I walked into the most insanely crowded record store I've ever been inside of in my life - the Virgin Record Megastore on the Champs Elysees about three days before Christmas 1990 - and found terribly expensive Japanese imports of the two Island albums.
These two albums just melted me. I played them endlessly.
I had to wait to purchase "See Me" until it was reissued some years later on the Edsel label. Not as perfect as the 3 Slim Chance albums, but still wonderful.
And now they're all together in the new box set, which I purchased but have not yet played because I don't currently own a working CD player, darn it!
I have one Ronnie story to tell:
I saw him in concert the last two times he played in NYC (not counting the ARMS concert).
The first gig was at the now defunct Limelight, a church(!) that had been converted into a concert venue.
Ronnie was in good shape that evening, sitting on a stool, and sometimes standing up and leaning against it.
I remember he performed The Kinks tune "Tired of Waiting", and had Bobby Keys with him; he told the audience something along the lines of "Bobby's gonna play the solo from "Can't Ya Hear Me Knocking", 'cuz it's in his contract!"...which Mr. Keys proceeded to do, brilliantly.
The second and last time I saw/heard Ronnie perform live was at the also long defunct Lonestar Roadhouse on 45th Street in NYC.
At this gig Ronnie was in noticeably worse shape, as he sat in his wheel chair the whole night. During the intermission I noticed Ronnie sitting by himself, and so I plucked up the courage to leave my seat and talk to him.
The ravages of M.S. upon his person were evident; his eyes were watery, and it seemed as if it was hard for him to focus on me; and I had to talk directly into his ear for him to hear me.
I asked him why he had moved to the States; he mentioned something about the Unions in the U.K. which I can no longer recall, and did not mention anything about the treatment he was receiving for his illness in his new country, about which I learned much later.
I then asked him what The Faces reunion at Wembley in '86 was like; a smile crossed his face, and he responded, "Ooh, it was lovely. And Rod paid me very well!" That last quote is verbatim, I never forgot it.
Let's hope that Eagle Rock reissues "The Passing Show" DVD, and that somebody makes the quality, comprehensive, loaded with archival material documentary on The Faces that band so richly deserves.
God Bless Us All, Ronnie.
Chris McG. ~ Canton, Michigan USA
I heard "The Poacher" played on my local radio station in the 70s, maybe only once or twice, but it made such an impression on me that I knew I had to have the album. The only problem was that I never caught the title of the song when they played it.
I heard "The Poacher" played on my local radio station in the 70s, maybe only once or twice, but it made such an impression on me that I knew I had to have the album. The only problem was that I never caught the title of the song when they played it.
There was only one Ronnie Lane album in the store when I looked, so I grabbed it, the "Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance" album. I listened, song after song, but didn't hear the one I'd heard on the radio.
But what I did hear just knocked me out, song after song of wonderfulness, that found it's way back on my turntable (and later CD players) for years to come. And of course I did eventually find my way to "Anymore for Anymore", with the Poacher and a whole new group of great Ronnie Lane tunes to luxuriate in.
Stephen M. ~ Been a Small Faces fan for decades but only took a serious interest in Ronnie's solo output last year. Wish I'd done it sooner. What a gift for melody that man had. It always sounded effortless.
God bless you, Ronnie
God bless you, Ronnie
Selina T. ~ I don't have a story. I wish I did. Ronnie is an absolute legend.
Dave J. ~ The best!
Stefan A. ~ I love the music of Ronnie Lane. Got all his albums. The new 6 cd disc is spinning now. We can all agree how great he is in all music he made. I just want to ask you a question. I have a cd-r cd, a live recording that Swedish radio broadcast many years ago. He was playing a gig at Kåren in Stockholm April 28, 1975. A great sound and a fantastic concert. Something to put out for real?
Jack W. ~ I miss him so much.
Clyde H. ~ Marsden Qld, Australia
Saw the Small Faces at a town in Wiltshire called Devizes and Ronnie Lane helped my wife to cut a lock of hair from Steve's head on the stage, then she was caught and thrown out.
Saw the Small Faces at a town in Wiltshire called Devizes and Ronnie Lane helped my wife to cut a lock of hair from Steve's head on the stage, then she was caught and thrown out.
We seen the Small Faces a lot of times and Ronnie was the best.
Bill H. ~ Laramie, Wyoming USA
A long, long time fan from Wyoming, USA. Ronnie Lane's story is an incredible saga of faith, persistence, love, friends & family. With my youngest brother's recent MS diagnosis, I have been listening to Ronnie's music more than ever. I've always felt the music Ronnie made after leaving the Faces was some of the best music of the era and is still relevant now.
Peace
A long, long time fan from Wyoming, USA. Ronnie Lane's story is an incredible saga of faith, persistence, love, friends & family. With my youngest brother's recent MS diagnosis, I have been listening to Ronnie's music more than ever. I've always felt the music Ronnie made after leaving the Faces was some of the best music of the era and is still relevant now.
Peace
Sam S. ~ Teaneck, New Jersey USA
Debris is a beautiful father son song. When I was a college DJ in the 1980's I used to try to sneak it onto the radio amidst all the new wave music.
Debris is a beautiful father son song. When I was a college DJ in the 1980's I used to try to sneak it onto the radio amidst all the new wave music.
Eric S. ~ Antioch, Texas USA
I became a fan of Ronnie when I first bought the Small Faces Immediate Anthology, Darlings of Wapping Wharf Launderette in the early 2000’s. From there I got the rest of the Small Faces and Faces catalog, and delved into Rough Mix and The Passing Show documentary.
I became a fan of Ronnie when I first bought the Small Faces Immediate Anthology, Darlings of Wapping Wharf Launderette in the early 2000’s. From there I got the rest of the Small Faces and Faces catalog, and delved into Rough Mix and The Passing Show documentary.
“Debris” probably was the song that hooked me first, and “Richmond”.
I bought the original Just For A Moment CD, and have been searching for the rest of the albums on CD and now the sold out boxed set.
I went to see Mac in concert several times, and had lovely chats with him. His Spiritual Boy tribute album was a further Ronnie revelation.
God bless us all!
Paul C. ~ A true gentleman of music. Never got the chance to see him live, sadly. My loss.
Robert W. ~ Love Ronnie!!
David R. ~ My memories of Ronnie can only be forward looking ones.
I discovered him in 2019 through An Island Harvest and since then realized that
he was one of the premier songwriters that we produced in the UK.
I discovered him in 2019 through An Island Harvest and since then realized that
he was one of the premier songwriters that we produced in the UK.
How did I miss him, now being 52 - I'll never know, but now I know just what he was - magnificent!
Ray O. ~ I remember growing up being a Small Faces fan. Then in '83 the ARMs concert made me more aware of Ronnie. I loved connecting the years and music he created. The soul passion and love still shines thru today.
Mayumi I. ~ It's difficult to express my feelings in English... his music always makes me smile!
Bob F. ~ North Yorkshire, England
I remember going to see Ronnie at Aylesbury Friars back in the day, all of us piling in to my 1st car (a mini, obviously!) - when Friars moved to a new building, Ronnie played there.
I remember going to see Ronnie at Aylesbury Friars back in the day, all of us piling in to my 1st car (a mini, obviously!) - when Friars moved to a new building, Ronnie played there.
When he came out he looked around and said "Nice new hall *pause* let's go round to the old one!".
Same night as he introduced "You Never Can Tell (C'est La Vie)".
He said "A song by Chuck Berry, great songwriter ...... pity he's such a toe-rag!". Many years later I played at a pub session, the 1st time I played in public, it had to be "How Come", nothing else would do.
Got invited to many sessions and, one day realised how many "Ronnie songs" I did, and although he didn't write "Amelia Earheart" it's the song i get asked to play more than any other, so i always say "this is my Ronnie Lane song", it never really sounds like Ronnie's version, but that's what I'm aiming for! Never fails,
Just started doing "Ooh La La" again as well - always seem to come back to Ronnie!
Just a quick footnote - I play at the local pub sessions round here, started doing "Amelia Earheart's Last Flight"
some time ago, now get asked all the time to play it - it's become "Bob's song"! I always make a point to mention that it was on Ronnie's 1st album, that's where i first heard it. Ronnie has long been a major part of my musical life.
Cheers!
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Craig D ~ I met Ronnie while I was a student at U.T. Austin. It was Halloween 1989.
These squatters living next to my friend John, an assistant professor in French literature, helped Ronnie out with his love for weed. One of the squatters became known for blowing glass and fashioning all kinds of creations.
Anyway, on Halloween they invited me to meet "some famous guy who once played with Rod Stewart".
I said sure. About a half hour outside town we rolled into his place and I met Ronnie and his caramel-skinned girlfriend. (I forget her name.) I told Ronnie about how I played guitar but that I lacked discipline to get better at it.
I said sure. About a half hour outside town we rolled into his place and I met Ronnie and his caramel-skinned girlfriend. (I forget her name.) I told Ronnie about how I played guitar but that I lacked discipline to get better at it.
I remember him telling me, and I paraphrase, 'It ain't about discipline. Ya dew it for the fun and the joy!' I'll never forget that.
We didn't stay long. When I got home, I played my copy of "Ogdens Nut Gone Flake" and relished the idea that I met someone truly great for the first time in my life. The only other famous person I met was Bill Wyman in the lobby of a hotel in the south of France in 2004. Bill wasn't as much fun to talk to as Ronnie. Bill signed an autograph and that was about it.
Anyway, that's my Ronnie story.
I never got to really know him at all. I just hung out with him on Halloween in Austin in 1989.
I never got to really know him at all. I just hung out with him on Halloween in Austin in 1989.
I never was able to acquire that cool box set so I'm hoping it's reissued someday.
John N ~ The man sings with passion, in it for the music.
Osvaldo B ~ From Montevideo Uruguay...South America
Michel B ~ I was very moved to see Ronnie come on stage in a wheelchair to join the other members of the Faces
to sing on the encore of Rod Stewart's 1986 Wembley Stadium concert.
to sing on the encore of Rod Stewart's 1986 Wembley Stadium concert.
Ray C ~ About 1985 when I was 19, a friend of mine used to hang out with Chas and Dave's tour manager and his girlfriend. They knew Steve and we used to regularly go and see him play when he was with the Packet of Three band. We used to go back to their house after the gigs and sit up all night chatting and listening to Steve sing and play guitar. Steve eventually got married to the girlfriend (Toni) we lost contact after a while and then I heard about Steve's tragic accident and was so shocked, as everyone else was. What an absolute legend. He knew how to take the piss out of people but in a good way.
More Ronnie Lane Fab Fan stories and accolades coming soon!